Transparent outsole with visible artwork

ABSTRACT

An improved method of boot or shoe construction comprising a boot or shoe constructed using the traditional Goodyear welt process, a midsole comprised of leather or rubber, a transparent outsole with artwork fixedly attached to the anterior side of said outsole, a heel, comprised of leather, rubber or any substantially equivalent material, and transparent heel cover with artwork fixedly attached to the anterior side. Other embodiments are described and shown.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a manufacturing process by which artwork may be displayed on the sole of a boot or shoe.

2. Description of Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of prior art that presently seems relevant:

U.S. Patents

Patent Number Issue Date Patentee 7,421,806 Sep. 7, 2008 Braynock 5,659,979 Aug. 26, 1997 Sileo 5,084,988 Feb. 4, 1992 Berger D430966 Sep. 19, 2000 Brady, et al.

Non-patent Literature Documents

http://sneakernews.com/2009/07/28/nike-air-force-1-bespoke-mx-sole/

http://www.kicksaholic.com/nike-air-force-1-supreme-futura-matte-silver/nike-air-force

The process of boot or shoe manufacturing utilizing a Goodyear welt has existed since 1871, at which time Charles Goodyear, Jr. patented the concept. It is the manner in which boots have been constructed for the last 150 years. However, I have created an entirely new process, utilizing entirely new materials and processes with an unexpected outcome—to achieve an entirely new aesthetic and appearance in a boot featuring traditional welted construction and to make art visible on the sole.

Heretofore, visible soles or artwork on the bottom side of products have been limited to skateboards, snowboards and in various examples, skate shoes. The present invention presents a manner in which art work can be displayed in a similar manner, though using an

U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,806, Braynock (2008) teaches that a transparent medium can be used to display a variety of images; however, in this case, it is related strictly to the side of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,979, Sileo (2007) teaches a similar idea, although in this case, it is limited to an interchangeable tongue on a lace-up shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,988, Berger (1992) instructs that there is value in utilizing a clear sole; however, it is used to provide an internal view of the fit of the shoe, as opposed to a means to display art.

U.S. Pat. No. D 430,966, Brady, et al. (2000) demonstrates the value of a clear sole as means to display various artwork, though it is strictly in the context of a cemented outsole, and thus not suitable for application in a boot or shoe utilizing the Goodyear welt process.

http://sneakernews.com/2009/07/28/nike-air-force-1-bespoke-mx-sole/ explains that there is a possibility to create a multi layer sole, using a translucent exterior layer, however, it is limited to underlying colors and patterns, rather than artwork. Furthermore, the design features cemented construction, rather than Goodyear welted construction.

http://www.kicksaholic.com/nike-air-force-1-supreme-futura-matte-silver/nike-air-force Shows a transparent bottom over a basic sole pattern.

The use of a rubber outsole to provide durability is known in the art and available in several products featuring Goodyear Welt construction, most notably from the Anderson Bean Boot Company, andersonbean.com; which uses welted construction and a black rubber outsole to increase durability, but not for any aesthetic purpose.

As this is a completely new product in a new category, there is very little prior art against which to compare this product.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

As there is no prior art against which to compare this invention, there are several unique and new advantages to my invention. Accordingly, the objects and advantages of my invention are:

-   -   (a) To provide a means by which to graphically present an image         on the posterior (sole) of a boot or shoe,     -   (b) To create a system and process of manufacturing, in which         the majority of the typical processes of boot manufacturing can         remain intact and utilize a time-honored boot making tradition,         yet utilize current state-of-the-art materials, such as the         transparent sole with integrally incorporated graphics,     -   (c) To create a boot that displays art on the sole, yet is         functional and durable for everyday use.

Further objects and advantages are to provide a piece of footwear which provides exceptional quality and craftsmanship, works within the current requirements for performance and durability that has come to be expected from a Goodyear welted boot, and allows the user to “show” their soles (and whatever art they may choose) as they use their boots.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1—Shows a complete exploded view of the components, as viewed at a 45 degree angle

FIG. 2—Shows the sole from the anterior view

FIG. 3—Shows a side view, (exploded) of the construction process and materials.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

10—Completed boot with vamp and Goodyear welt, prior to attaching sole

20—Heel counter—spur ridge. Can be made of plastic (as example, or leather)

30—Mid-sole. Can be made of a variety of materials, in this case, it is textured rubber.

40—Artwork. It may be a decal, or artwork integrally molded into an outsole. The art may change between heel and vamp.

50—Sole and heel. Both are made from a clear or translucent material.

60—Goodyear welt. Plain stitch through the clear outsole, runner mid-sole and welt

70—Heel. Made of rubber, composite leather or leather

100—Heel nails

DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1-3

A typical embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (sectional view.) The upper of the boot is constructed in the typical manner, using traditional materials and processes.

A rubber mid-sole (or other material) is fixedly attached to the upper as a substrate for a decal or other means by which to convey a graphic.

A decal, vinyl sticker or integrally molded graphic is represented by #40 in the art. Any selection of various materials or processes, including vinyl decal, screen print, integrally molded artwork or any other available substrates is placed between the midsole (as described) and the transparent outsole.

The heel is of any of the typical constructions—Leather, Robus, Synthetic or rubber. In any case, the heel must provide a good substrate for the application of a decal or other artwork, or a point of adhesion for an integrally molded heel.

The welt as illustrated in FIG. 3 is in the traditional manner, and passes through

-   -   the Goodyear welt on the upper     -   the midsole (rubber or other)     -   transparent outsole

Additional processes include—

-   -   heel     -   same decal or integrally molded transparent heel     -   transparent sole or heel     -   nails

SUMMARY, SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

Although the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, rather providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given. 

1. A method of footwear construction wherein a graphic element is encapsulated within the sole and heel, said footwear comprising: A boot or shoe upper constructed utilizing the Goodyear welt process; A midsole comprised of rubber, leather or substantially equivalent material; An outsole with artwork fixedly attached to the anterior side of said outsole; A heel, comprised of rubber, leather or substantially equivalent material; A heel cover with artwork fixedly attached to the anterior side of said heel cover, said heel cover material to be substantially equal to said outsole material; Whereby artwork can be visible on the outsole and heel of said boot or shoe yet provide a durable substrate and utilize traditional Goodyear welt construction methods.
 2. The outsole and heel of boot or shoe of claim 1 in which said outsole and heel cover are comprised of transparent materials.
 3. The outsole and heel of boot or shoe of claim 1 in which said outsole and heel cover are comprised of polyurethane. 